HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (07.28.25) – The Rifle Supply Mid-Summer Bash 3 packed the center on Saturday July 26th in Huntington Beach. There were over two dozen vendors on site as attendees enjoyed food, music, prizes, raffles and checked out a number of gun supply products. POWERBASS was on site with Erik Harbour and Juan Quintana showing Bluetooth portables along with SoundBars and more.
Erik Harbour, POWERBASS VP, related “Seems there is a lot of crossover with the Rifle Supply customer base and and 12volt enthusiasts. The Rifle Supply team members are friends and we participate with them at local events. Rifle Supply events have been great for allowing us to tap into a new customer base that enjoys time outdoors where portable Bluetooth speakers make a great addition to enjoy some tunes while slinging some lead or just hanging out with friends after a fun day at the range.”
It was packed outside the Rifle Supply store in Huntington Beach and PowerBass was front and center.
Juan Quintana shows PowerBass products to attendees.
Concluding Harbour offered “We, Juan and I, were busy throughout the event and the crowd was estimated at over 1000 people having fun from 10AM until after 3 Saturday afternoon. We also had opportunities to talk with attendees about music and gear they had in their rides or on their motorcycles. A great way for us to learn what consumers are looking for and to connect them with POWERBASS to see what products we offer.”
WHEELING, WV (07.28.25) – The Steel Valley Regional 2025 filled the WesBanco Arena from July 18th thru the 20th. Once again the event, orchestrated by Larry Chijner, brought the Sound Quality community together from across the U.S. and beyond. The WesBanco Arena floor was filled with nearly 50 of the most amazing, totally decked out customized vehicles that showcased Sound Quality to the MAX.
The WesBanco Arena is a terrific venue for SVR events.
Larry Chijner literally lived the Steel Valley Regional for the 14th time. Therefore there is no one better qualified to deliver the event wrap up than Larry himself. His words are below along with a few SVR XIV images.
This image of the SVR competition in action from Braydon Cooper.
SVR XIV Wrap Up… Its been a few days and I wanted to thank all the competitors that came from California to Florida to Maine to Iowa and everywhere in USA to support SVR XIV . This years show featured Top 48SQ Showdown with over 7500 Dollars Payout to the Competitors along with Prizes and Trophies with Prizes up to 30th Place. We also had IASCA 3X, MECA 4X, EMMA 3X and MASQ 3X. Organizations that provided trophies and awards.
ESB Audio and ZAPCO, with Chris Bennett in the house, was one of the vendors on site supporting their competitors.
First and Foremost I must thank Richard Papasin and Keith Turner for doing the scoring and along with registration for the event ! The music was provided by myself along with ICA to be inclusive to include all the Organizations! Also want to thank his assistant Lori Wallace who helped with scoresheets and tabulations. Lori and Mic Wallace along with Keith Turner were there and have attended every SVR we have ever had!
Of the Top 48 SQ Showdown the Top 20 were awarded and called up to the front.
“This year’s SVR was awesome as everyone was so excited to show their rides. Our 6 judges were very busy all day Saturday and some on Sunday judging cars and in all we had 280 score sheets to review. I agree with Larry SVR XIV was the very best and we look forward to 2026” Richard Papasin related.
Larry Chijner conducting the awards presentation.
Also helping coordinate the show was Keith Turner and Tarsha Turner with IASCA as well as Autosound Showcase. Doing this show takes a group effort and about a year’s preparation. Top 48 Judges were Mic Wallace, Mike Myers, Scott Welch, Fred Lynch, Harry Kimura and Chris Myers.
Richard Papasin with his Promoter of the Year award. Troy Loferski snapped this and many more images from the event.
The following people coordinated the Organizations. IASCA ..Keith Turner EMMA ..Richard Papasin MASQ.. Howard Cantor MECA..The Ballingers and Tony Pasquale. I will leave the Orgs to announce their own Judges. This year I decided to try and unify by having all the Orgs at the show and they were responsible for their own part. ECA, MCA and WCA were represented with using their music and scoresheets for the SQ Showdown!
Brian Mitchell once again trailered his award winning Arc Audio project showcasing another amazing Phat Install.
This show could not go off without manufacturers support! Here is a list of the SVRXIV Sponsors: USAcoustics-Mike Nichols, Jeffrey Topp- Judges Support,CAPTURE THIS ENTERTAINMENT-Cassie & Scott Hall – Judges Support & FLORIDA SOUND QUALITY -GOLD SPONSOR- Angie !
ARC AUDIO-TITLE SPONSOR…Brian Mitchell ZAPCO/ESB-DIAMOND SPONSOR…Ernie/Chris/George/Enzo KARMA MOBILE AUDIO-GOLD SPONSOR-Adam JLAUDIO-GOLD SPONSOR..Manville/Ian at Garmin AUDIO INTENSITY..GOLD SPONSOR-Scott Welch ONLY TINTS- -PRIZE SPONSORED-Matthew Kremer CREATIVE PRODUCTS DESIGN-BRONZE SPONSOR. Mike B ITALIA HI-FI- GOLD SPONSOR…Dan Merritt/Greg Thompson RESONIX -PRIZE SPONSOR-Nick Apicella STEREO INSTALLS-TROPHY SPONSOR..Bryan Huston/David MSC AMERICA-GOLD SPONSOR.@Jeff Smith, Larry Penn DAVIS DISTRIBUTION -GOLD SPONSOR.Chuck/Nate/Kevin GENESIS AUDIO Ltd- SILVER SPONSOR-John Senters LIQUID HI-FI -GOLD SPONSOR…Ronald K Buffington
Overall i think this was the best Steel Valley Regional yet and just want to THANK everyone. If I missed anyone, please forgive me and i will update the post!! As for Next Year, We shall see. Plans are in the works for SVR XV July 2026 at Wesbanco Arena with a few changes to make it even better! More will be revealed at a later date …In the meantime, I’m getting ready for Finals in Birmingham.
Repeat winner and Champion Mark Bruno lifting his awards. Bruno trailered his award winning purple Challenger from California to compete.
The Results are on the corresponding sites as well as the Top 48 SQ Showdown..
“This show could not happen if it wasn’t for the support of the Industry as a whole. !f you see them, THANK them!” -Larry Chijner
SHREVEPORT, LA (07.28.25) – The 12voltBeat Newsletter, delivering fresh industry news, is emailed twice weekly to subscribers across the 12volt industry.
News reporters walk the beat in their areas to gather and deliver the news of the day. 12volt Central Studios staff has been walking the beat across the 12volt industry for over for seven decades. Today the news is delivered digitally from across the US and around the world.
The 12volt Central Studios launched the 12voltSTP Tool over 2 years ago. The 12voltSTP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members to deliver news of their products and activities than ever before. With a smartphone it just takes snapping an image and txting the image with a few words to 318 469 2526. PRESTO that news could be in the 12voltBeat.
The 12volt industry history is based in music and good music definitely has a beat. Thus the 12voltBeat Newsletter is a natural to deliver industry news across the 12volt industry.
The 12voltBeat is emailed early on Monday and Thursday mornings to over 4,000 industry members. The 12voltBeat newsletter features industry news from the previous few days.
WHEELING, WV (07/27/25) – The Steel Valley Regional 2025 filled the WesBanco Arena from July 18th thru the 20th. Once again the event, orchestrated by Larry Chijner, brought the Sound Quality community together from across the U.S. and beyond. The WesBanco Arena floor was filled with nearly 50 of the most amazing, totally decked out customized vehicles that showcased Sound Quality to the MAX.
The WesBanco Arena is a terrific venue for SVR events.
Larry Chijner literally lived the Steel Valley Regional for the 14th time. Therefore there is no one better qualified to deliver the event wrap up than Larry himself. His words are below along with a few SVR XIV images.
This image of the SVR competition in action from Braydon Cooper.
SVR XIV Wrap Up… Its been a few days and I wanted to thank all the competitors that came from California to Florida to Maine to Iowa and everywhere in USA to support SVR XIV . This years show featured Top 48SQ Showdown with over 7500 Dollars Payout to the Competitors along with Prizes and Trophies with Prizes up to 30th Place. We also had IASCA 3X, MECA 4X, EMMA 3X and MASQ 3X. Organizations that provided trophies and awards.
ESB Audio and ZAPCO, with Chris Bennett in the house, was one of the vendors on site supporting their competitors.
First and Foremost I must thank Richard Papasin and Keith Turner for doing the scoring and along with registration for the event ! The music was provided by myself along with ICA to be inclusive to include all the Organizations! Also want to thank his assistant Lori Wallace who helped with scoresheets and tabulations. Lori and Mic Wallace along with Keith Turner were there and have attended every SVR we have ever had!
Of the Top 48 SQ Showdown the Top 20 were awarded and called up to the front.
“This year’s SVR was awesome as everyone was so excited to show their rides. Our 6 judges were very busy all day Saturday and some on Sunday judging cars and in all we had 280 score sheets to review. I agree with Larry SVR XIV was the very best and we look forward to 2026” Richard Papasin related.
Larry Chijner conducting the awards presentation.
Also helping coordinate the show was Keith Turner and Tarsha Turner with IASCA as well as Autosound Showcase. Doing this show takes a group effort and about a year’s preparation. Top 48 Judges were Mic Wallace, Mike Myers, Scott Welch, Fred Lynch, Harry Kimura and Chris Myers.
Richard Papasin with his Promoter of the Year award. Troy Loferski snapped this and many more images from the event.
The following people coordinated the Organizations. IASCA ..Keith Turner EMMA ..Richard Papasin MASQ.. Howard Cantor MECA..The Ballingers and Tony Pasquale. I will leave the Orgs to announce their own Judges. This year I decided to try and unify by having all the Orgs at the show and they were responsible for their own part. ECA, MCA and WCA were represented with using their music and scoresheets for the SQ Showdown!
Brian Mitchell once again trailered his award winning Arc Audio project showcasing another amazing Phat Install.
This show could not go off without manufacturers support! Here is a list of the SVRXIV Sponsors: USAcoustics-Mike Nichols, Jeffrey Topp- Judges Support,CAPTURE THIS ENTERTAINMENT-Cassie & Scott Hall – Judges Support & FLORIDA SOUND QUALITY -GOLD SPONSOR- Angie !
ARC AUDIO-TITLE SPONSOR…Brian Mitchell ZAPCO/ESB-DIAMOND SPONSOR…Ernie/Chris/George/Enzo KARMA MOBILE AUDIO-GOLD SPONSOR-Adam JLAUDIO-GOLD SPONSOR..Manville/Ian at Garmin AUDIO INTENSITY..GOLD SPONSOR-Scott Welch ONLY TINTS- -PRIZE SPONSORED-Matthew Kremer CREATIVE PRODUCTS DESIGN-BRONZE SPONSOR. Mike B ITALIA HI-FI- GOLD SPONSOR…Dan Merritt/Greg Thompson RESONIX -PRIZE SPONSOR-Nick Apicella STEREO INSTALLS-TROPHY SPONSOR..Bryan Huston/David MSC AMERICA-GOLD SPONSOR.@Jeff Smith, Larry Penn DAVIS DISTRIBUTION -GOLD SPONSOR.Chuck/Nate/Kevin GENESIS AUDIO Ltd- SILVER SPONSOR-John Senters LIQUID HI-FI -GOLD SPONSOR…Ronald K Buffington
Overall i think this was the best Steel Valley Regional yet and just want to THANK everyone. If I missed anyone, please forgive me and i will update the post!! As for Next Year, We shall see. Plans are in the works for SVR XV July 2026 at Wesbanco Arena with a few changes to make it even better! More will be revealed at a later date …In the meantime, I’m getting ready for Finals in Birmingham.
Repeat winner and Champion Mark Bruno lifting his awards. Bruno trailered his award winning purple Challenger from California to compete.
The Results are on the corresponding sites as well as the Top 48 SQ Showdown..
“This show could not happen if it wasn’t for the support of the Industry as a whole. !f you see them, THANK them!” -Larry Chijner
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.25.25) The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 6.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 331st time on Friday morning on July 25th. The Wheel landed on the JVC space and the Sparked Innovations slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning spin slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to the winning retailer in Knoxville TN and have not had a reply. Will continue to connect with the good news.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the 12volt marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, Race Sport Lighting, EBS Audio, King Boxes, Massive Audio, Q Power and VIPER. 12volt News and 12voltBeat $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD, Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA, Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY, Victorylap Auto Styling in East Moline IL, Car Trendz in Alexandria VA, BLVD Customs in Lakeland FL, Audio Systems in Montclair CA, Fitment_nyc_shop in Jamaica NY, King Audio in Norwalk CT. Foss Audio in Tukwila WA, OG Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, Tint and Tunes in Sacramento CA, Dr Dashboard in Evansville IN, The Sound Shop in Chino CA, Extreme Concepts in Albertville AL,The-King of Custom in Longwood FL, Car Audio Depot in Modesto CA and Audio Dreams in Acworth GA, PCH Custom Audio in Long Beach CA, Crazy Ralph’s Car Stereo in Gonzales LA, Joe’s Cycle Therapy in Somerset MA, Cal Custom Audio in Tracy CA, NWA Audio in Bentonville AR, XT Audio in Miami, Tim’s Audio in Newport OR, Build’s By Paul in Litchfield AZ, DAW Discount Audio in Paramount CA and M12 Audio in Bluefield WVA, Jam City Pros in Caddo Mills TX, Finishline Shop in Lumberton NJ, Genuine Custom Audio in Riverside CA,Ballistic Autowerks in Hagerstown MD, Jeff’s Custom Car Audio in Royce TX, Pitbull’s in Houston, Aspen Sound in North Spokane WA, CP Designs in Jarrell TX and D&B Sales in Ft Wayne IN, Precision Custom Audio in Riverview FL, The King of Custom, Active Sound in NC, Car Stereo Plus in Sumter SC, Audioworks DE in Newark DE, Active Sounds in NC Speed Car Audio in Dallas, Voodoo Customs in Luling LA, BK Customs 616 in Grand Rapids MI, TPD HiFI in Broken Bow OK, HiFi Crusin’ in Hattiesburg MS, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX Intense Kustom Audio in Brentwod NY, California Audio in West Valley UT, H A Ross Entertainment, Voodoo Customs in Haltom TX, Absolutely Creative Customs in Boulder CO, Mobile Sound in Temecula CA and Redline Auto Sports in Hicksville NY.
Congratulations to all.
WTF……Win This Friday……See the next 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday, August 2nd.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.25.25) – After a storied career spanning nearly five decades, Alden Stiefel, a true pioneer of the 12-volt audio and security industry, is stepping down as CEO of Maxxsonics USA and moving into the role of Chairman of the Board. Brian Sherman, longtime Vice President of Product and Marketing, will assume the role of President effective July 8th.
Alden’s journey began in the 1970s with a small retail store and evolved into a career that shaped and elevated some of the most respected brands in the industry. He rose through the ranks to become Executive Vice President of Clifford Electronics during its heyday, playing a central role in building one of the most iconic automotive security brands of the 1980s and 1990s. Later in his career, he co-founded Avital, helping to redefine vehicle security and remote start technology for a new generation.
(National Sales Meeting — 2003 CES)
In the aftermath of 9/11— a time when most were pulling back — Stiefel doubled down on his belief in the power of innovation and launched Maxxsonics USA. What started as a bold idea during one of the most uncertain weeks in American history quickly grew into a global audio powerhouse, home to iconic brands like MB Quart, Hifonics, Crunch, and Autotek.
(MB Quart Sale Closing Party in Germany — Sherri, Alden, Ted, and Bill)
(Boarding Bullet Train in Shanghai — Alden, Brian, and Ted)
“It’s been a wild, rewarding ride — from selling car audio at retail to shaping product strategy at the executive level,” said Stiefel. “Starting Maxxsonics during such a turbulent time was a risk, but I believed in our vision, our team, and this industry. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built.”
Stiefel has guided Maxxsonics through more than two decades of growth, weathering economic cycles, evolving technology, and changing consumer behavior — always with a focus on passion, quality, and loyalty. Under his leadership, Maxxsonics became a trusted OEM partner for top names like Polaris®, Kawasaki, and CFMOTO, while never losing touch with its aftermarket roots.
(Strategy Meeting with the Van Halens at 5151 — Alex, Eddie, Ted, Max, and Alden)
(SEMA 2019 — Maxx and Alden)
“Alden’s legacy in the 12-volt world is unmatched,” said Brian Sherman. “He’s not just built companies — he’s built careers, friendships, and an industry culture defined by creativity and integrity. I’m honored to carry that legacy forward.”
Though stepping back from daily operations, Stiefel will continue to play an active role in guiding the strategic direction of Maxxsonics as Chairman of the Board.
“This isn’t goodbye — I’m just shifting gears,” Stiefel added. “I’ll still be involved, supporting Brian and the team however I can. The next chapter for Maxxsonics is bright, and I’m excited to see it unfold.”
Follow the link for complete details on Maxxsonics and their entire family of audio brands. https://maxxsonics.com/
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.25.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is dispelling misinformation surrounding a forthcoming law in Nevada pertaining to local enforcement of state and federal vehicle emissions laws. The organization specifically wants to reaffirm that the new law, which takes effect on Oct. 1, will not impact the 2025 SEMA Show, Las Vegas’s largest annual trade show, which will be held Nov. 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo on June 10 signed into law SB 80, legislation that provides a new framework for local law enforcement to utilize, in tandem with existing inspection authority, to enforce against bad actors who are breaking existing state and federal emissions laws, establishing new penalties for illegal behavior.
STATEMENT “SEMA has always been aware of Nevada’s SB 80 and provided feedback on the bill on behalf of the automotive community as it was developed. SB 80 is common-sense legislation that maintains the status quo as it pertains to existing state and federal law. SEMA was, and is, comfortable with this bill, which reinforces existing state and federal bans on emissions system tampering. The law is still the law as it pertains to emissions systems.
“SEMA is once again proud to welcome our exhibitors, members, partners, and industry stakeholders to Las Vegas this November for the industry’s most anticipated annual gathering. For 58 years, the SEMA Show has remained a cornerstone of innovation, collaboration, and progress in the automotive aftermarket industry. This year will be no different. Whether you’re exhibiting your brand, debuting a custom build, or exploring the latest products and trends, the SEMA Show continues to deliver the trusted platform that drives business and fuels industry growth.”
BACKGROUND SB 80 amends existing Nevada state law (NRS 480.610) to identify the following unlawful activities:
(e) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, tamper with a device for the control of emissions of a motor vehicle or remove such a device from a motor vehicle, including, without limitation, exchanging the engine of a motor vehicle for a different engine; or (f) Possess an electronic device capable of tampering with a device for the control of emissions of a motor vehicle.
Additionally, SB 80 provides the following clarification on legality:
A person does not violate paragraph (e) of subsection 1 by exchanging the engine of a motor vehicle for: (a) An electric motor; or (b) A different engine if any device for the control of emissions of a motor vehicle that is included with the engine being inserted into the motor vehicle is operational.
RESOURCE To educate SEMA members, SEMA Show attendees, and the public at large, SEMA released a FAQ document that explains what SB 80 does and does not do.
Introducing ZZTSL, a true Plug & Play hardware based solution, which intercepts the video signal from the MCU to the screen.
• NOT a BROWSER based solution • NOT a USB based solution • NO hotspot required • NO interference with the OE Tesla APP environment
Features
Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto full screen or PiP (picture-in-picture) modes available
Completely re-designed specifically for a TESLA environment
Retains factory safety display features
Integrates the CarPlay/Android Auto icon to the MENU bar for a factory look
Works on Model 3 (2017‑2024) & Model Y (2020‑2024/25)
3‑year warranty
💡 ATTENTION Dealers & Installers: Tesla says “No.” ZZ2 says “Yes!” Offer customers the smartphone experience they’ve been desperately asking for in TESLA Vehicles.
SELDEN, NY (07.24.25) – Congrats to Jazz Audio & Go Fast Solutions!
What are you doing to improve your business and the 12 volt customer experience? Jazz Audio owner, Gene Cella, was ready to kick things up a notch, and got an opportunity of a lifetime to work with celebrity and business icon, Marcus Lemonis, on his, while being featured on the new show, The Fixer.
As a valued VOXX dealer, we wanted to take a moment to commend Gene and his team for taking this step!
This exciting national feature showcases the talent and dedication of our partners in bringing high-quality vehicle upgrades to life, from remote start and security, to advanced driver safety and more!
As an added bonus, our valued distribution partner Go Fast Solutions, was featured on the show as well.
We’re proud to see the exceptional work of Jazz Audio and the support of Go Fast Solutions recognized on a major platform. It’s a win for all of us!
Here is Gene in his new store, set up, holding up our VOXX ADAS Rearview Mirror DVR system and a preview sample of our unreleased AI Dash Cam. Stay tuned for more information on the AI dash cam VERY SOON!!!
CHICAGO, IL (07.24.25) – “We’re honored to be partnered with Mid-State Distributing” said Chirs Bennett, ZAPCO and ESB’s Director of US Sales. “There has been a lot of growth in the last year, particularly with ESB Audio. Having a great Distribution Partner with 3 stocking locations in the Mid-West area means more dealers can experience the Sound Quality that ZAPCO and ESB Audio are known to deliver.’
Sean Davis, Branch Manager, pictured by the ESB Audio display in the Chicago location showroom.
“Mid-State Distributing is proud to be a partner with ESB Audio and ZAPCO and look forward to this new opportunity” stated Sean Davis. Branch Manager at Mid-States Distributing.
ESB Audio is an Italian speaker company with over a half century of electroacoustic history. Over the last 55 years, ESB Audio has navigated the winding road of high fidelity and through its evolution has acquired a wealth of experience and knowledge that is rarely encountered elsewhere.
ZAPCO is dedicated to the pursuit of audio fidelity. At ZAPCO, we’ve been doing the same thing we have done for over 40 years, constantly searching out innovative ways to bring better sound to the automotive environment.
Mid-State Distributing has ESB Audio and ZAPCO has inventory in Omaha, Fargo and Chicago and serves dealers in the Midwest and Mountain states.
12VoltNews.com 